Police and security personnel surrounded the Saudi flight from Jeddah after it landed Tuesday afternoon following a report to the control tower that the plane was "under threat", a Philippine aviation authority spokesman told AFP.

Passengers were forced to remain on the plane for about two hours, but were let off about 5:00 pm (0900 GMT) after it was confirmed there was no threat.

"Situation is normal. It was alleged that the pilot pressed the emergency light of the aircraft unintentionally," Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters.

In Saudi Arabia, an airline spokesman also said that there was no security threat.

"False alarm for hijack for Flight 872," the spokesman said.

Manila airport spokeswoman Connie Bungag earlier released a statement saying the control tower received advice that the plane was "under threat" as it was 32 kilometers (20 miles) from landing.

She said authorities had implemented standard security operating procedures.